An Ocean County man was sentenced this week to 46 years in prison after being convicted of raping his stepdaughter from the time she was 8 years old until she was 14.

Christian Powell, 52, was convicted by a jury in June of 22 counts of sexual assault and endangering a child. It was his second trial after a jury deadlocked on a verdict last year.

The stepdaughter — who is now 20 years old and living with an aunt who adopted her — testified in both trials and spoke of her continuing nightmares, insecurity and counseling.

Superior Court Judge Robert P. Becker, sitting in Woodbury, said aggravating factors “substantially outweigh” any chance for leniency.

He handed down consecutive prison sentences of 15 years for first-degree aggravated sexual assault on a minor; 10 years for first-degree aggravated sexual assault when the defendant is related to the minor victim; seven years for second-degree sexual assault on a minor when force or coercion is used; seven years for second-degree sexual assault on a minor when the defendant is at least four years older than the victim; and seven years for second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

He must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. He would have to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law when released from prison.

Powel lived in Riverton and Deptford during the years he raped the girl.

Powell was evaluated by professionals at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center, which houses sex offenders in the Avenel section of Woodbridge, who found that he is not amenable to treatment because he does not believe he needs counseling.

 

More from WPG Talk Radio 104.1

More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM